Parable of the Lost
Teachers
Lesson Summary
During the class, Kevin Hahn explored Luke 15’s Parable of the Lost, emphasizing that Jesus addressed a hidden heart problem—contempt. He described how a marriage‑counseling study identified contempt, not anger, as the strongest predictor of divorce, and linked this to the biblical concept of *contemptus* (scorn). By examining verses where tax collectors and sinners approached Jesus, Hahn illustrated that the religious leaders’ contempt erupted in grumbling that Jesus welcomed sinners and even ate with them. He argued that true Christian love can condemn sin without looking down on the sinner, offering a third, compassionate alternative to hatred or permissiveness. The teacher used modern anecdotes, cultural references, and personal stories to demonstrate how contempt devalues people, while Jesus’ willingness to share a meal signified acceptance and outreach. The central message concluded that believers are called to reject contempt, follow Christ’s example of welcoming the lost, and build authentic fellowship that reflects God’s unconditional love. The session also highlighted the significance of table fellowship in biblical culture, noting that sharing a meal sealed bonds and demonstrated honor. By contrasting the Pharisees’ scornful attitudes with Jesus’ inclusive actions, Hahn urged participants to examine their own hearts for subtle signs of contempt and to adopt a posture of grace that mirrors the Savior’s heart for the lost.